Anyway the application looks reasonable. It is asking for permission to convert the upper floors into 5 flats. The ground floor and basement which are covered by the ACV are largely untouched. The plans include improvements to the outside of the upper floors of the pub tidying up some of the ravages of the years, and adding some windows and features that actually improve its character (it is suggested that some of these changes are restoring original features).

In reality the development of the upper floors is probably necessary to maintain the pub building and the pub itself. Without development the pub could just be run down and sold to yet another developer.

The application includes a new entrance on Mill Lane on the right hand side of the pub leading to an enclosed staircase to the upper floors. This will take a small portion of the bar-room to the right of the bar but will not significantly impair the bar. Nothing else in the ground floor and basement will be changed. It is not clear how the wheelchair and pram access is maintained. This is an important issue that needs clarifying.

The application includes detailed specification for sound insulation between the bar and the upper floors, which is important in ensuring good relations between the upper floor residents and the pub as we don't want residents in the future complaining about noise. We will need to make sure that this is actually installed properly otherwise it could lead to problems in the future.

The application acknowledges the value of the pub in the area, and states intent on keeping the pub. This forms part of the justification for the application so may be useful ammunition in later years.

The Neighbourhood Development Forum, which made the application for the Asset of Community Value will make comments to Camden Planning Department saying that it strongly supports keeping the pub on the ground floor of the premises and will require that a legal agreement accompanies any approval for planning permission, stating that an ACV exists for the property and that the Council and local community are committed to keeping the pub in its current use on the ground floor; and that the developer should make all efforts possible to maintain the pub on the ground floor and should charge a reasonable rent for its use; and that there shall be no future conversion of any part of the ground floor to residential accommodation.

I am am drawing up a short set of comments for a submission from the Save the Alliance campaign. I will be picking anything relevant to the planning application that was raised in the survey, such as access, the value of the pub to the local community, preserving the building etc.

I personally will be submitting comments saying that I approve the statements that the intent is to retain the pub and the promises of improving the character of the building. I will also raise the points about sound and access.

Please try to send a comment or two yourself, the number of responses really does count. It is very easy on-line. you can go directly to the comments page here. Feel free to pick any of the words/issues used above or just say that you expect the pub itself to be retained (for ever).

Our next task will be to ensure that all their promises actually happen.

MORE Good News: 26 March 2106This email was sent to all people who filled in the survey.
First, thanks for your continued support for the Save the Alliance Campaign.
Second, an update: Michael has been talking to the new owner and things are looking good. There are things to sort out but we can have some confidence the pub will stay (and probably Michael as well), so things will go quiet from me now, but, if I may, I will keep your email addresses in case we need further action. (if not just unsubscribe).
Happy pubbing, Nick

Good News: 10 March 2016The Alliance has been added to Camden's list of Assets of Community Value. But now the hard works starts as there are a number of rumours about the actual state of the proposed sale. Is it already sold? If so what does that mean? Anyway the decision letter is here.

Thanks for all the support many of you have given. We may be asking for more!

The original text on this website (with some updates): 2 Feb 2106

While it might be bought by a new pub oriented owner there is a strong possibility that the Alliance might be bought by a developer who closes it down and tries to convert it all to residential. Many locals think the pub is a great local asset and would be horrified at its loss, let alone what the loss of another retail outlet in Mill Lane will do to the local economy. (The current landlord, Michael, is the tenant, not the owner, so don't blame him!)

The West Hampstead and Fortune Green Neighbourhood Development Forum (NDF) has applied for the pub to be listed as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) which while it cannot stop the loss of the pub, does draw a deep line in the sand, and gives the local community the chance to buy and retain it as a pub as a last resort. The fact that we have applied already means that no changes can be made to the pub without planning consent which gives some protection. Our application can be seen here. We have pulled together more information through our survey (see next paragraph) to prove the immense impact the loss of the pub will have on the local community. The extra information is now submitted.

We have set up a survey to help us prove that the reasons we are giving in the application are true and to get as many names as possible, you, your family and friends, to show support of the pub staying as a pub.

PLEASE HAVE A LOOK AT AND FILL IN THE SURVEY
Although we have submitted the results of the first 765 survey returns we still need as much support as possible so don't think your vote will not matter. The survey will be terminated eventually on 23 March 2016, due to cost...Thanks

The Alliance was put on the market by the owners, Greene King, during January. Details were published by AG&G, specialist pub sellers. The prospectus asked for bids to be put in by 3 February 2016, so there is going to be a race to save the pub. If you want to read the prospectus contact us.

There are several possible outcomes of the sale. HOWEVER, all these ideas and statements need to be checked:

The pub is sold to developers who redevelop it into flats, even pulling down the whole building. Disaster and urban vandalism by the devlopers and their henchmen, the beginning of the end for the community of Mill Lane.

The pub is sold to a development company which says it will run it as a pub and then runs it into the ground then claims it is unviable as a pub and attempts to convert it to residential.

The pub is bought by a developer or pub company who convert the upper floors to flats and keep downstairs as a pub, as seems to be happening to The Railway on West End Lane. A tolerable solution, but we should ensure that none of the ground floor is converted to flats, making the pub too small to be viable, and losing ground-floor retail space on Mill Lane.

A pub company buys the pub and keeps it much as it is using the upper floors for staff accomodation or other activities compatible with the area. A good solution, but does depend on which pub company buys it.

The local community, with help, buys the pub and gets a tenant/manager to run it. Hard work but others have done it, and it is the fall-back position that an ACV listing is designed to help. If it is listed in time we have 6 weeks to pull together sound ideas to take it over, then 6 months to raise the cash. We would possibly, but not necessarily, need to raise funds to the market value, but as a pub it would be a lot cheaper than if it was going to be developed.

Other solutions include finding an individual landlord to buy it. Persuading Greene King to change their minds. Possibly persuading Greene King to renounce the tie but still own the pub. Persuading Greene King to help find a good solution for all concerned. And ....?